It’s April again, and hopefully I survive my inner circle’s slew of jokes and witty sendups on the first day of the month. They know me well, maybe too well, in that my gullible self is indeed the perfect match for one of their impeccably set-up jokes. It is, however, a reminder that we don’t need an April 1st to remember to share a joke, or make someone smile, or grimace and groan at a bad Dad Joke, but rather it is the beginning of the seasons of warmth that are close at hand. Looking forward to what’s coming is a hallmark of this mid-season moment; with the odd mauka shower cooling us off as we get a slew of spring and summer outfits ready for the sunnier days ahead.

We kick off this issue with some levity of the highest order, with Jo Koy. No stranger to our shores, he loves visiting the islands and performing for residents who are equally enamored and ready to be roasted to a crisp. Nothing is off limits when a comedian and the audience are in sync and goading each other on to see just how many laughs and countless tears can be shed as we remember that no matter what, we all do come together and lighten up over a laugh. It is one of Hawai‘i’s most endearing and unique characteristics; even an arena-full of people who may not normally hang together are happy to be absolutely skewered by punch lines galore. Yu Shing Ting chats with the cover subject for more insight on what makes Jo ... not your average. Find out more in “Playing Koy” on page 74.

On the discerning and curated side of things, we shine our spotlight on Nicole Hollis, award-winning interior designer responsible for notable local projects like Howard Hughes’ newest and highest-spec tower Kalae, and the reimagined Kona Village Resort and freshly launched 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (“Ace of Space,” page 90), as well as Andrew Mau who selects, whittles and pares the lists until only the best make it into his Island Boy shop in Kaka‘ako (“Going Native,” page 26). You can be sure that those names will be appearing on your radars more as word of their craft gets shared farther afield. And one’s work is never done without recognizing all those who helped shape our prior year here, as we deliver an ever-changing array of stories and images for you, our readers. Every piece has a cast of supporting talent behind it, and I must credit the whole team — from our writers and photographers to our entire in-house crew — for delivering their all in helping create the issue that you now hold in your hands. Spring forward, and let’s all enjoy this season of new growth.

Aloha!
Margie Jacinto, Publisher